Project Overview The TDB and the DST have approved financial support to Matisoft Cyber Security Labs Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi for the project titled “Development of an Advanced Open‑Source Framework Sanitization Tool Facilitating Secure Transfer of Data Between Multiple Air‑Gapped Networks.” The initiative aims to create an indigenous cybersecurity solution that can safely move data across isolated, high‑security environments such as the Indian Navy, defence establishments and critical‑infrastructure nodes. Key Developments Funding granted to develop a USB‑sanitization and data‑transfer control software tailored for air‑gapped networks . Integration of multiple in‑house security capabilities: DLP , EDR , and CDR . Seven core modules built: centralized policy control, real‑time threat monitoring, file sanitization, secure licensing, automated updates, system installation framework, and detailed audit logging. Solution operates completely offline, making it suitable where internet connectivity is prohibited. Designed to enforce strict USB usage policies, ensuring only verified and sanitized files traverse between isolated domains. Important Facts The entire software stack has been developed by the R&D team of Matisoft, underscoring India's growing capability in self‑reliant cyber‑defence. The project aligns with the strategic objective of reducing dependence on foreign security solutions, a priority highlighted by Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB . The system maintains comprehensive audit trails, facilitating compliance with organisational cyber‑security protocols and enabling post‑incident forensic analysis. UPSC Relevance Understanding this development is crucial for GS‑3 (Science & Technology, Security) and GS‑2 (Polity) aspirants. It illustrates how the government leverages public‑sector funding mechanisms to foster indigenous innovation, a key aspect of the "Make in India" and "Self‑Reliant India" agendas. The emphasis on air‑gapped networks highlights the importance of cyber‑security in national defence, a topic frequently asked in the security and strategic affairs sections of the UPSC mains. Way Forward Scale the solution to other critical sectors such as power grids, banking and health‑care where air‑gapped environments exist. Encourage further collaboration between public research institutions and private start‑ups to expand the indigenous cyber‑security ecosystem. Formulate standard operating procedures and certification norms for air‑gapped data transfer across ministries. Monitor field deployments and incorporate feedback to refine the sanitization algorithms and policy engine.